11 Nov 2014
So it is nearly that time of the year and as usual, most of us have no idea what to do! So here's some great places to escape too to see in 2015…
The Castle
Stonefield is a baronial castle, and it gets pretty lively around New Year, with Hogmanay celebrations in full swing and castle residents welcoming in the New Year via some rather novel activities. The “Grand Haggis Hunt” requires guests to give chase to a giant haggis (a willing Stonefield team member dresses accordingly) across the castle grounds, wielding horns, pots, pans, and any other 'fettling' instruments they can lay their hands on. Following the haggis's capture, the victorious rabble can enjoy a dram back beside the fireplace, along with the traditional Rabbie Burns Toast, naturally. Spend New Year enjoying the castle, boasting over 100 whiskies, wandering the grounds and watching over Loch Fyne, whether in the company of Fudge, Stonefield's resident Chocolate Labrador or one of a huddle of dogs ever present beside the castle's many fireplaces.
New Year offer is a 3 nights in a classic double or twin for £450 per person, bespokehotels.com, 0844 815 9833
You can have the run of Skeabost on the Isle of Skye which can be taken exclusively just for you and your family or friends for New Year. With 14 bedrooms and your own private 9-hole golf course, with fishing and a Ghillie too to take you through the finest ways of hooking a catch of trout and salmon, it's views of the Old Man of Storr and proximity to the Talisker distillery, will make sure you'll see in 2015 quite wonderfully.
The Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Course is located in Shakespeare country, not far from Henley Street, where William himself was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. Encompassing 150 acres of grounds, a luxury spa, 70 par championship golf course and Italian inspired gardens, you can undertake a number of exploits. You can also join the party at the hotel on NYE, relax in your 4-poster bed or meander through the hotel to the lounge to read your favourite Shakespearian comedy, history, tragedy or poem by the fireplace
Christmas and everything that leads up to it, mainly a Christmas party filled December, can be overwhelmingly busy and ahem, unhealthy. So shed the stress by taking yourself away to a coastal bolthole retreat: The Lugger. Place yourself in a self-enforced detox (it's NY so you can still have bubbles if you insist!), watch the waves from your window, read an actual book, play a physical board game and rest your eyes from the numerous screens that fill our lives these days
Tulloch Castle is inviting guests to enjoy haunted hospitality from their ghostly resident the Green Lady. Dating back to the 12th century with numerous families, a hospital and hotel in residence over the castles lifetime, it is little wonder that the hallowed halls of Tulloch Castle host a number of ghosts and ghouls.
The most-sighted ghost is Tulloch's Green Lady, sighted so frequently, the bar in the castle is actually named after her with a portrait of the Green Lady, Elizabeth Davidson, hanging in the Great Hall.
The Island
Exclusive use of the property including all meals, ceillidh and unlimited golf from £4,000, bespokehotels.com, 01470 532202
The Shakespearean Estate
From £315 p/p includes 2 night stay, celebration afternoon tea, full use of spa facilities, celebration dinners and breakfasts, menzieshotels.co.uk, 01789 295252
London's New Year fireworks are one of the world's best, and what better way to watch them, than overhead from your hotel balcony at Bermondsey Square, located at the bottom of the buzzing craft ale and eaterie laden Bermondsey Street. Take dinner for £45 for 4 courses and then take in one of the fireworks with a complimentary bottle of champagne and 2 glasses to take down to the river. Or if you've booked a suite, retire to your room for viewing and a Jacuzzi if you're in the Lucy Suite.
For Fireworks
2 nights from £550, for 3 nights from £720 for 2 sharing a classic double/twin room, bespokehotels.com, 0843 178 7155
The Coastal Retreat
The Royal Hotel Thurso is set in the heart of the burgh of Thurso. Regarded as the gateway to Orkney, it is surrounded by pristine sandy beaches and craggy headlands, in addition to mile upon mile of dramatic cliffs which herald the final frontier of mainland Britain. The northernmost settlement in Britain, makes it an ideal base for those wishing to explore nearby John O'Groats, as well as Old St Peter's Church and The Castle of Mey. For those eager to break out their boards, the nearby coastline has become a mecca for surfing, with comparisons even drawn to Hawaii thanks to its spectacularly large, powerful waves.
Double rooms start from £70 including dinner, B&B*, bespokehotels.com, 0843 178 7137
The Haunted New Year
The most-sighted ghost is Tulloch's Green Lady, sighted so frequently, the bar in the castle is actually named after her with a portrait of the Green Lady, Elizabeth Davidson, hanging in the Great Hall.
At Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, relax and rejuvenate, detox from the turkey and excessive alcoholic bubbles and Hydrotherapy pool, aromatic steam room, rain shower, relaxation suite, Six therapy rooms to enjoy a range of therapies and unique signature treatment
and Jessica Nail bar
Prices from £200 p/p per night, bespokehotels.com, 01386 848934
Menzies Derbyshire
From £185 p/p for dinner B&B for 2 nights including afternoon tea, 3-course dinner, breakfast both mornings and a champagne reception and 5-course meal on NYE, menzies.co.uk, 01332 521234
For review, information and imagery for the Bespoke Hotels portfolio please contact:
Gabby@streetand.co 020 3701 7510/07538 87 76 85 or Emma@streetand.co 07973 316 818
